Nondiluting cooling device



M y 30, 1939- J. v. PATTERSON 2,160,165

NONDILUTING COOLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 14; 1956 'IIIIIIIIA i ll l I I m I I III V 47' ORA/Ex H Patented May 30, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

This invention relates to devices adapted to confine a relatively cool or a frozen fluid while abSOrbiIlg heat from surrounding fluid.

There has been a need for a device that may serve to accomplish heat absorption from a surrounding fluid, especially, for a relatively simple and fool-proof device that may be employed to, in effect, cool water and other palatable liquids and/or to maintain them' cool prior to their consumption.

Such a device-must necessarily be absolutely leakproof, as otherwise, it has no practical ad.- vantage. That is, even if contents of the cooling device are not objectionable to the taste, they will still tend to dilute the liquid being cooled. In some localities ice is formed from water that is impure and when used indiscriminately for cooling beverages, etc., it becomes a menace to health.

However, dilution is also very objectionable from,

the standpoint of palatableness when such liquids as tomato and fruit juices, beers, etc., are to be cooled. Dilution is a variable factor since it increases as the ice melts and as the cooling progresses.

Previous to the present invention, no one has been able to provide a device for the purposes enumerated above that is fool-proof and that will meet the requirements. I have found that a. permanently sealed device has certain disadvantageous features which limit its application and use. In the first place, only a small amount of fluid may be sealed in the device, and as a result, its cooling effect is limited. A device may burst due to the pressure exerted by the freezing fluid unless suitable precautions are taken as to the design of the contour and the amount of fluid such as water placed therein.

Then too, after the fluid in such a device has become warm in accomplishing a cooling eflfect, it must be frozen again while in the container by placing it in a mechanical refrigerator. In a permanently sealed device, the amount of fluid cannot be adjusted to the particular requirements of a given individual.

I have determined, if such an ordinary fluid as water is to be employed, that freezing is necessary, in order to get an appreciable or noticeable cooling efiect when using the device. In various localities it is often more advantageous to employ one type of cooling fluid or agency than another. Some may desire to employ carbon dioxide or dry ice, while an average householder may desire to employ water as the medium. These things all point to the need for a device of universal application that will be eflicient and practicable.

However, I find that a device having the construction of an ordinary container with a removable top will not serve in that it permits leakage, or in other words, a physical mixture between the cooling fluid and the fluid being cooled. Leakage is'especially bad when a vessel is tilted to-pour out some of the beverage. I havealso found that consideration of corrosion, expansion and contraction also enters intothe design of a suitable device.

In view of the above problems, I have definitely determined that it is necessary to provide a cooling device that can be readily taken apart for repair, refill, and/or adjustment, that will withstand the freezing pressure involved, and that will stay sealed or be absolutely, impervious, even when submerged in the fluid being cooled.

The problem of providing a form of container that seals its contents, that will keep them sealed in spite of temperature changes, and that hasat the sametime, a lid or cover which can be quickly and easily removed and which will not corrode, is indeed difficult. However, I have definitely determined that such a type of device as above set forth is the type needed.

And, it has been an object of my invention to determine the factors that govern the proposed employment of a so-called icer type of cooling device. Another object has been to provide a device that will meet the problems involved in connection with the discovery of the above-mentioned factors.

A further object has been to provide a fluid .cooling device whose contents are readily accessible although definitely sealed against mixture with surrounding fluids.

A still further object of my invention has been to provide a simple and efilcient form of icer cartridge that will be positive and fool-proof in operation, and that will meet the problems involved in connection with a commercially successful device.

These and many other objects of my invention will appear to those skilled in the art from the description thereof and the claims and the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of a cartridge constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan of the cartridge of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged section of a detail of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is'a side elevation of a device constructed in accordance with my invention and employing a cartridge such as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of an element for suspending a cartridge within a container of the fluid being cooled; and Figure 6 is a side elevation;

Figure '7 is an elevation, partially in section, of a form of cartridge constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 8 is a top plan or the cartridge of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a sectional elevation showing an inverted or cup-shaped type of closure cap;

Figure 10 is a shaker device, such as a cocktail shaker, employing a cartridge such as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9;

Figure 11 is a side elevation, partially in section, of a device constructed in accordance with my invention and employing a modified form of cartridge; and

Figure '12 is an enlarged section showing a detail of Figure 11.

In carrying out my invention, I employ a cartridge-shaped container for the freezing fluid, cracked ice, or other cooling agency. Such container may be designed in such a manner that it will flt within the ice cube compartment 01. an ordinary mechanical refrigerator to, it desired, in this manner freeze the liquid. However, it cracked ice, etc., is to be employed, its shape need not be governed by such a consideration. The cartridge is provided with a removable lid or cap that permits a change in the quantity or a renewal of the fluid or the substitution of another type of cooling agency. Cracked ice or any other readily available cooling agency, such as dry ice, may be placed directly in the cartridge-this eliminates the step of freezing the cooling fluid in the cartridge. The cartridge is so constructed that it can be suitably suspended or uprightly positioned within the fluid to be cooled and that it will be'impervious, or in other words, will retain the cooling fluid in a hermetically sealed relationship.

Although cartridges embodying my invention may be employed in connection with any suitable type of vessel being cooled, such as a pitcher, I have designed vessels that are especially applicable for employment in connection therewith.

In Plgures 1, 2, and 3, I have shown a cartridge ll having suitable longitudinally extending and spaced side flutes or corrugations II for permitting expansion and contraction and for efl'ecting a more efficient thermal transfer between fluids. A cap or lid 12 of disc-like shape is provided with inwardly-bent edges l3 having an annular groove or concave portion for receiving a sealing band ll, preferably of a flexible material such as rubber.

In mounting the cap l2, the band I4 is snapped into place in the groove and the cap I! is pushed inwardly between the adjacent edges of the open end of the cartridge I until the sealing band I4 is in abutment with and is compressed against the annular lip of the cartridge.

The bottom of the cartridge I0 is provided with an outwardly extending post or lug ii that is inwardly threaded to receive and support one threaded end of a centrally and longitudinally extending rod IS. The rod l6 projects through the cartridge and the center of the lid l2 and is adapted to receive a gasket and threaded nut combination II. By tightening the nut H, the pressure with which the lid I2 is forced against the band l4, and with which the latter is forced against the lip of the container, may be adjusted until the cooling fluid or material is positively sealed within the cartridge,- or in other words, until a leak-proof, impervious connection has been made between the main body of the cartridge and its cap or lid.

In Figure 4, I show a complete cooling un t 29 having an "icer cartridge oi! the type previously described. Although I contemplate suitably suspending the cartridge ID from the lid 2| of such a unit, in order that the cartridge may be removed with the lid, I also contemplate supporting the cartridge from the bottom, and/or the inside of the pitcher or vessel 20.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, a four-point bridge or disc-like spider 22 of somewhat flexible construction (see Figs. 5 arid 6) is pressed against the inside walls of the lid 2| and is provided with a central octagonal hole having offset flanges 22a for receiving the nut and rod members [6 and H, see Figures 1 and 7; that is, the nut. ll fits within the octagonal hole and the cartridge I0 is removably and securely held at both ends within the vessel 20, as the pitcher 20 is also provided with a concave portion 23 centrally of its inside bottom that serves as an additional point of support for the cartridge I0. Thus, it will appear that the cartridge ||l has two opposite points of support.

I also contemplate positioning the spider 22 against the inside walls of the cap member 3|; this arrangement is especially useful in connection with a cocktail shaker, see Figure 10; the cartridge ID will be removable with the lid, since the spider 22 is restricted or held within the confines of inner wall portions of the cap 3|.

The lid 2| is shown provided with two oppositely-located cut-out portions 24, in order that it will only be necessary to make a half turn of the lid to pour liquid from the vessel while the lid, and thus, the "icer cartridge is in position.

Although I prefer positioning the cartridge l0 in such a manner that it is substantially submerged within the liquid being cooled, see Figure 4, I also contemplate positioning it in such a manner that the jointbetween the cap I2 and the body in is above the normal level of the fluid, i

see Figure 11. In this latter embodiment, the cartridge "la is provided with smooth or rounded screw threads that mesh with and screw over a similarly threaded suspension annulus or sleeve l8, see Figure 12. The top edge of the annulus I8 is bent inwardly to conform to the contour of the inner Wall portion of the lid 2|a to which it is securely fastened.

In the unit a, the cartridge |||a may be suspended in such a manner that its bottom is some distance from the bottom of the vessel, and thus, above the coolest portion of the liquid, since the warmest portion is near the top of the liquid level. of course, the seal between the lid l8 and the body portion |0a need not be as tight as in the case where the cartridge is submerged. However, the type of cartridge ||la shown in Figures 11 and 12 may also be employed when it is to be completely submerged.

In Figures 7 and 8, I have shown another form of cartridge |0b having an octagonal form. Since the lid I21) and the elements of attachment are similar to those of Figures 1, 2, and 3, no further explanation is deemed to be necessary.

It should be noted that the top edges of the cartridge curve inwardly and form a smooth annulus for receiving the lid I211. The many planar sides of this cartridge Illb function in such a manner that they take the place of the corrugations H of the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, and 3.

The type of cartridge |0b is particularly adaptable for use in a cocktail shaker, see of Figure 10. A disc 22 removably aflixed to a lid 3| suspends the cartridge lilb from one end; and,

the other end rests in a concave portion 33 of the cocktail vessel 30.

I prefer aluminum in the manufacture of thev cartridge elements due to its high coefiicient of expansion and contraction, its lightness, strength, ductility, and its ability to resist corrosion. However, any suitable, preferably flexible, material, metal or alloy may be employed. The vessel or pitcher elements may be of vitreous, ceramic or metal construction. I prefer an efficient conducting material such as a suitable metal for the cartridge elements.

In Figure 9, I have shown what may be termed a reversed or cup-like cap member 35. It is interchangeable with any of the caps l2, l2b, and employs the sealing ring I4. Although the cap member or element 35 takes more space from the contents of a cartridge l; it may, in some cases, be preferable to the caps [2 and/or I21"). It is also secured in place by the rod l6 and nut I have definitely determined that units embodying the features of my invention, such as those above described, are a definite answer to the problems involved and are highly eflicient and eifective for cooling fruit juices, tomato juice, milk, etc., and for keeping them cold for long periods of time.

When a liquid such as water is to be frozen in a cartridge in a mechanical refrigerator, I prefer to fill the cartridge about four-fifths full.

Although I have illustrated and described certain embodiments of my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, changes, substitutions, additions, and omissions, or combinations thereof, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope thereof as indicated by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a cooling unit, a vessel containing a fluid to be cooled, said vessel having an open top portion, a lid for said open top portion, a container element containing a cooling medium, and a flexible spider removably positioning said element within said vessel adjacent said lid, said spider being detachable with respect to said lid.

2. In a cooling device adapted to be suitably positioned for cooling purposes, a hollow hermetically-sealed cartridge element, a freezable fluid in said cartridge element, said cartridge element being made of an expansible material and having a plurality of longitudinally-extending substantially planar outer wall portions for providing a quick conduction of heat from the liquid contained therein through the walls thereof and for permitting the cartridge element to expand and contract when the liquid contained therein is frozen and melted without bursting and without breaking the hermetical seal, said cartridge element being substantially four-fifths filled with water.

3. In a cooling device adapted to be positioned in a vessel containing a fluid to be cooled and adapted to have its contents frozen in the ice in said projection and at its other end extending through said removable lid when positioned over the open end portion of said cartridge element, and adjustable holding means on the extending end of said rod cooperatively arranged to hold said lid in a hermetically-sealed relationship with respect to the open end portion of said cartridge element, said means being adjustable with respect to said rod.

4. In a cooling unit, a vessel adapted to contain a fluid to be cooled, a cartridge element having a hollow interior adapted to receive a cooling medium, a flexible element arranged to cooperate with said vessel and to flexibly position said cartridge element within said vessel, said cartridge element having means sealing off the cooling medium therein from the liquid to be cooled.

5. In a non-diluting cooling unit for liquids having a vessel containing the liquid to be cooled, a lid for said vessel, a closed cartridge element containing a cooling medium, bounding positioning portions extending from said lid and from a bottom of the vessel and engaging said cartridge element at susbtantially opposite ends thereof, said cartridge element being constructed and arranged to extend longitudinally of said vessel and to be transversely and longitudinally restricted by said positioning portions, said lid being removable from an engaging relation with respect to said cartridge element by lifting it from said vessel, said cartridge element being removed from an engaging relationship with respect to said bottom of the vessel by lifting it outwardly therefrom.

6. In a non-diluting cooling unit for liquids having a glass vessel adapted to contain the liquid to be cooled, a closed and hermetically sealed metal cartridge element containing a frozen cooling medium, said cartridge element having longitudinally extending portions constructed and arranged to permit expansion and contraction of the cooling medium therein and to provide a maximum heat conducting surface for contacting freezing metal portions of a refrigerator, a concave portion located substantially centrally in the inside bottom of said glass vessel, said cartridge element having a lug portion extending from the lower end thereof adapted to fit within bounding Walls of said concave portion of the glass vessel for holding the lower end of said cartridge element in position with respect thereto, and means detachably associated with a mouth portion of said vessel and extending inwardly therefrom, said means having bounding portions engaging an upper end of said cartridge element for removably holding it in position wthin said vessel.

7. In a cooling unit, a vessel adapted to contain a fluid to be cooled, a cartridge element having a hollow interior adapted to receive a cooling medium,- means cooperatively and detachably associated with side wall portions -of said vessel adjacent an opening therein, said means being constructed and arranged to position one end of said cartridge element within said vessel, said element having its interior and the cooling medium therein closed off with respect to said vessel, said vessel having means constructed and arranged to position the other end of said cartridge element therein.

8. A cooling unit as defined in claim 4, wherein said vessel is of glass.

JOHN v. PATTERSON. 

